How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?

One of the key advantages of dental implants is that they have proved to be long lasting. Once the implant has been buried into the bone, it tends to fuse with the bone almost as naturally as a real tooth root. As a result, the bone loss that would have occurred in absence of the tooth is halted, and the implant assumes the position of the natural tooth. This essentially means that the implant can last forever.

Implant technology has evolved mainly over the last two decades. There have been several studies over these years to monitor the durability and effectiveness of the implants. Most studies have concluded a very high success rate for dental implants. They are likely to last a lifetime, if any extraneous factors do not interfere with the implant’s existence.

The primary factors that can adversely affect the longevity of an implant are how well the patient maintains his oral hygiene and the general oral health of the patient in the long run. Since the implant is a very close substitute of the natural tooth, it requires the same care and maintenance as the rest of the teeth. The patient must ensure good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing twice a day. Ideally, the patient must make regular visits to the dentist every six months for check-ups. Furthermore, it is equally important to take a healthy and balanced diet to ensure a good general oral health and immunity against infections. The patient should also avoid eating or chewing very hard substances that might put excessive pressure on the implant.

Implant failure may also occur in rare cases where the preparation for placing the implant has not been done adequately. If the implant is ill-fitting, or the dental surgeon ignores the extent of bone loss and the quality of the bone where the implant has to be placed, it can put the implant on a weak foundation. In such situations, there is a likelihood that the implant may become loose after some time, or may fall off easily. The implant specialist must also pay attention to the medical history of the patient, and determine if he is a fit candidate for the implant.

If the patient as well as the operating dentist performs their duties diligently, chances are that the patient can enjoy the benefits of the implant permanently, without any worry of damage or loss of implant. The longevity of the implants in general is very high, and it is a one-time investment that can bring long-term relief to the patients who have suffered a tooth loss due to any reasons.